SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), through Board President Aaron Peskin, recently increased the amount of its commercial washer rebate program to support local laundromats and shared laundry facilities.
The program increased the rebate amount from $500 to $5,000 per qualifying washer while funds last. The rebates apply to the purchase and installation of high-efficiency commercial clothes washers. The additional funds were made available through a one-time budget appropriation from Peskin.
Laundromats across San Francisco serve as a vital community resource, the SFPUC says, and the commercial washer rebate program offers these facilities an opportunity to lower their water usage and bills, benefiting business and the environment.
“We want to help these small-business owners lower their bills and reduce water use, which also benefits the environment. It’s a win for everybody,” says SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera. “I want to thank Board President Peskin for his work securing additional funding so we could increase our commercial washer rebates. Water conservation and affordability are major priorities for the SFPUC. This helps accomplish both by saving water and money.”
Peskin represents the dense neighborhoods of San Francisco’s District 3, and says he introduced legislation in 2021 to stem the loss of, and create protections for, neighborhood laundromats and to streamline the permitting process for new stores.
“Now we are investing real dollars into meaningful incentives for operators by increasing the rebate amount they can use to upgrade their business infrastructure with sustainable and water-efficient laundry machines,” he adds.
Eligible commercial washing machines have earned the Energy Star Label, a distinction awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star commercial washers use about 45% less water than standard models.
To be eligible for this rebate, high-efficiency commercial clothes washers must:
- Be installed in a laundromat, commercial property, or in the common area of a multi-family property with 10 or more dwellings
- Be on the Energy Star Most Efficient qualifying products list
- Be purchased within 90 days of submitting the application
Additionally, applicants must be an SFPUC account holder; have not received a washer rebate from SFPUC in the past 10 years; and complete an onsite installation verification inspection by the SFPUC.
Customers who think they may be eligible should apply as soon as possible at sfpuc.org/washers.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
